Remote Operation Control for Precise Transport Vehicle Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of alignment of unmanned transport vehicles with respect to a work position is poor, necessitating a solution to enhance precision in positioning for efficient loading and unloading operations.

Innovation Solution

A remote operation device and system that includes a first operation unit for forward and backward movement, with a control unit capable of wirelessly transmitting command signals to the transport vehicle to move precise distances, and an adjustment mechanism for fine-tuning these distances based on user input and weight measurements, ensuring accurate alignment with a target position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If autonomous control is used for transport vehicle, then productivity is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidalignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into autonomous control unit and remote operation unit. The autonomous control handles routine navigation and movement to maintain productivity, while the remote operation unit takes over specifically for precision alignment tasks at work positions, combining the advantages of both automated efficiency and manual precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A remote operation device acts as an intermediary between the autonomous transport vehicle and the operator. This intermediary allows the vehicle to operate autonomously for most tasks while enabling precise remote intervention when alignment accuracy is required, resolving the contradiction between autonomous productivity and precision alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If remote operation is implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote operation device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal control interface that can operate the transport vehicle for both navigation and precision alignment tasks. This consolidates multiple control functions into a single device, improving alignment precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport vehicle is equipped with self-positioning capabilities and autonomous navigation systems that handle routine operations independently. The remote operation system only activates when precision alignment is needed, allowing the system to serve itself for most tasks while reducing the burden on the remote operator, thereby improving alignment precision without excessive complexity increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3958081B1Use of a remote operation system
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 IHI CORP
  • EP3958081B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3958081B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3958081B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A remote operation device (2) for remotely operating a transport vehicle (1) includes: a first operation unit (2a); and a control unit (24) configured to wirelessly transmit a command signal for causing the transport vehicle (1) to travel a prescribed distance to the transport vehicle (1) every time the first operation unit (2a) is operated.